Just a matter of hours before the IAAF World Indoor Championships Portland 2016 got under way on Thursday (17), five of the world’s leading athletes joined IAAF President Sebastian Coe, LOC President Vin Lananna, Portland Mayor Charlie Hale and USATF CEO Max Siegel at the pre-event press conference.
In the laid-back setting of Pioneer Square – venue for the medal ceremonies at the championships – the press conference was open to the public, who also had the opportunity to ask questions.
Defending heptathlon champion Ashton Eaton spoke about how proud he will be to welcome his fellow competitors to his home state of Oregon.
“One of the reasons why I love the sport is because I get to travel the world and meet people from different countries,” said Eaton. “But when an event like this is held in the place where you were born, you have a lot of pride. It’s like bringing somebody into your home.
“I actually like indoor track and field more than outdoor,” he added. “There are just seven events indoors compared to 10 outdoors. There’s no 400m, no 1500m. It suits athletes like me who are built for speed and power. I also love how intimate it is.”
His wife, Brianne Theisen-Eaton, carries Canada’s best hope of a gold medal in Portland. Having earned silver medals at three successive global championships, Theisen-Eaton explained how she is now mentally stronger.
“I learned a lot at the last year’s World Championships,” she said. “We have been working quite a bit to be more mentally prepared for these kinds of things. I have never gone to an event as a favourite. I do feel very confident in that aspect of my training. I feel fit, I feel ready but I am really excited to put this side of competition to the test and execute what we have been doing in practice.”
IAAF President Sebastian Coe was delighted to see the IAAF World Indoor Championships returning to the USA after 29 years.
“The USA has historically been the powerhouse of track and field,” he said. “Yet given its great economic power, it is still a country where the general perception of track and field is low. The regeneration of that is taking place here in Oregon and I genuinely believe this will be a reawakening of track and field in this country. This is a new and exciting chapter in the history of our sport.
“It’s also a great pleasure to be joined by so many great athletes,” added Coe. “Ashton and Brianne are the closest thing to athletics royalty and we couldn’t have better ambassadors for this event.”
Vin Lananna, President of the local organising committee, reflected on the four core principles that have underpinned this event since planning began 36 months ago.
“Firstly, this is an athlete-centric event,” he said. “The athletes are what it is all about. Secondly there’s the creative presentation aspect. The medal ceremonies will be here in Pioneer Square, where there will also be a live feed of the action throughout the championships.
“Thirdly, it connects the community around a sport that this state has embraced and loved for generations,” he added. “And lastly, we want to take the youth of the community and connect them with these great heroes that sit on this stage. They are the next generation of track and field.”
Sprinter Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis will be the oldest athlete in Portland. But, 20 years after his global championships debut, the 2003 world 100m champion is still highly motivated.
“Winning is the most exciting part of running – indoors or out,” he said. “I just try to get out of the blocks early to have a good race.
“I will be honest, I don’t follow our sport and the past champions,” he added. “I have never come as a favourite and I love it. I come in, try to move through the rounds, make my way to the finals and the podium. I just focus on who’s going to be there (tomorrow).”
Portland Mayor Charlie Hale expressed his thanks to all involved in bringing the IAAF World Indoor Championships to his city.
“This is only the second time this competition has been held on US soil, so it’s really a proud honour for us,” he said. “I’m so appreciative of all the work that has gone into the event from the LOC, the city governors and the thousands of volunteers. It really is a big deal”
US indoor champion and world leader Ajee Wilson heads to Portland looking to make amends for her last appearance at the World Indoor Championships.
“I went to Sopot with the fastest time and I didn’t make it out of the heats, so it would be extra special if I could come through with the win here,” she said. “I would say it’s more pressure this time, seeing as it’s in the US. My Mom’s coming up, my coach, my teammate from Philly, so I definitely want to have a good showing.”
USATF CEO Max Siegel outlined the importance of the World Indoor Championships ahead of the biggest sporting event in the world later this year.
“Some of the greatest athletes in the world will begin their Olympic preparation here in Oregon,” he said. “Here we will celebrate sport and the best athletics competition that the world has to offer.”
Italy’s high jump world leader Gianmarco Tamberi was looking forward to the new format for field events.
“I like the fact that the competition will be a direct final, like a one-day meeting,” he said. “I think it will help the final results. If there are qualifying rounds, you always have to shed some energy. I’ve already seen the track, and it is really good too.”
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